Pitt sophomore guard Trey McGowens recognized the look on Justin Champagnie’s face as the 18-year-old freshman left the court Saturday at Petersen Events Center.

“Kind of like the same I had in the Louisville game (last season),” McGowens said, “when I hugged coach walking off the court (after scoring a freshman record 33 points).

“It was good to see that. That’s always a good feeling.”

Champagnie allowed himself a moment to enjoy his 30-point effort against Georgia Tech. Then, it was back to work.

Only hours after the cleanup crew swept away the final bits of confetti, Champagnie had a basketball in his hands on the same floor where he had just hit 12 of 17 shots.

“He was in the gym at 1 o’clock in the morning just working, still,” McGowens said. “He stays hungry.”

Asked if he believes his single-game freshman scoring record is in jeopardy, McGowens smiled and said,“I think Justin is going to break it.”

Pitt (15-9, 6-7) is in the final stages of the season, trying to make an impact in the ACC after losing all 18 conference games two years ago, the final season with Kevin Stallings as coach.

After playing about three games every seven days since Jan. 4, Pitt embarks on another three-in-seven stretch Wednesday at the Pete against Clemson (11-12, 5-8). That’s immediately followed by trips to Virginia Tech and Florida State on Saturday and Feb. 18, respectively.

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With seven games remaining in the new 20-game ACC schedule, Pitt is in eighth place but only 11⁄2 games out of fourth (and the reward of a double bye in the conference tournament).

Coach Jeff Capel acknowledged the tough schedule his players have had this season — they won’t have an off week in 2020 until after the last regular-season game March 4. But he insists his players get away from basketball on days when there is no practice.

McGowens said he spends time with teammates and does schoolwork when he’s not in the gym.

“Getting treatment is the only time you should be in the Pete (on off days),” he said. “It’s kind of stressful just being here all the time. Being away is the best thing you can do.”

When the books are put away and they have studied enough video of the next opponent, McGowens and sophomore point guard Xavier Johnson said they try to get eight-to-nine hours of sleep every night. Johnson said he also watches his diet, sticking to salads and vegetables for the most part.

“If you want to be successful, that’s what it takes,” Johnson said.

Johnson said he weighs about the same as he did as a freshman (200 pounds), but he has more muscle spread throughout his 6-foot-3 frame.

On the court, practices are a bit shorter later in the season, especially with only a few days between games. McGowens, however, emphasized they are no less intense.

“The biggest thing coach stresses is a day like (Monday) he’ll (say), ‘We’re moving half speed, but talking, intensity is 100%.’ ”

The payoff has been Pitt’s ability to finish strong after losing 13 in a row last season in games that often were up for grabs inside of the final eight minutes.

In 11 ACC games since the new year, Pitt has shot a better percentage in the second half eight times, including four of better than 50%.

Capel wouldn’t be much of a coach if he didn’t worry about his team hitting a wall late in the season, but he is encouraged by the results so far.

“This year we’ve done a better job of being able to close,” he said.

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